Job: Director, North America Labor Optimization
Location of role: Columbus, IN or any BU office.
Position SummaryThe Director, North America Labor Optimization is responsible for developing and leading labor optimization strategies across North America, working closely with Business Unit leaders. This role engages Business Units to align priorities, shape practical solutions, and support implementation while establishing consistent labor planning, reporting, forecasting, and performance management practices. The objective is to combine enterprise-wide visibility and standards with local operating expertise to support informed decisions and measurable business outcomes.
The Director serves as a key resource to Business Unit leadership and collaborates with Operations, Finance, Human Resources, and external labor partners to improve workforce productivity, labor efficiency, contract labor transparency, and workforce planning capabilities. Through workforce analytics, labor modeling, and cross-functional coordination, this position helps Business Units identify, validate, and deliver labor opportunities aligned with their operational realities, annual commitments, and long-range business objectives. Success is supported through clear communication, practical alignment, and sustained adoption within the Business Units.
Key ResponsibilitiesLabor Strategy & Governance- Establish and maintain a single source of truth for labor reporting, planning, and performance measurement across North America.
- Standardize methodologies for labor budgeting, forecasting, scheduled hours, contract labor, temporary help expenses, and labor-related financial reconciliation.
- Develop labor assumptions, reporting standards, performance measures, and governance routines with input from Business Unit, Finance, HR, and Operations leaders to balance enterprise consistency with local operating needs.
Labor Planning & Performance Management- Design and maintain labor planning tools and reporting that provide visibility into labor spend, productivity, overtime, contract labor, variances, and financial impact.
- Support labor forecasting and workforce planning processes through data-driven analysis and predictive modeling.
- Review labor performance trends with Business Unit leaders, incorporate local operating insight, and recommend practical opportunities to improve productivity and operational efficiency.
Labor Opportunity Identification & Execution- Build and prioritize a pipeline of labor optimization opportunities informed by Business Unit needs and enterprise priorities.
- Evaluate opportunities with Business Unit input using financial, operational, and workforce data to clarify value, timing, risks, ownership, and implementation requirements.
- Design, pilot, validate, and scale labor optimization initiatives in coordination with Business Unit teams, supporting adoption, measurable results, and continuous improvement.
Workforce Analytics & Technology- Utilize workforce analytics, labor modeling, and market intelligence to support staffing, scheduling, and labor productivity strategies.
- Identify opportunities to leverage automation, AI, and technology solutions to enhance workforce planning and labor management capabilities.
- Translate complex labor data into actionable insights and recommendations for business leaders.
Business Unit Partnership & Capability Building- Maintain productive working relationships with Business Unit leaders through regular planning discussions, operating reviews, and clear communication on labor priorities and trade-offs.
- Support leaders in understanding labor performance, identifying opportunities, and developing action plans.
- Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leaders on workforce optimization, labor planning, and transformation initiatives.
Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Human Resources, Operations, Analytics, or related field preferred. Equivalent experience may be substituted.
- 10+ years of relevant experience, including a minimum of 7 years of leadership responsibility.
- Demonstrated experience leading workforce planning, labor optimization, workforce analytics, operations, finance, or transformation initiatives.
- Experience leading large-scale, cross-functional transformation programs.
- Experience implementing analytics, automation, AI, or technology-enabled workforce solutions preferred.
- Strong financial acumen, business case development, and executive presentation skills.
- Ability to travel as business needs require.
Skills & Competencies- Workforce Analytics & Modeling
- Labor Planning & Forecasting
- Strategic Workforce Planning
- Financial Analysis & Business Case Development
- Data-Driven Decision Making
- Change & Transformation Leadership
- AI, Automation & Workforce Technology
- Executive Communication & Influence
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Project & Program Management
